Business Cares: September 2024

Saving Lives Together: Driving Awareness of Local Support and Resources

Suicide Prevention Month, observed every September, driving awareness about suicide and its prevention. It encourages open dialogue, promotes mental health resources, and empowers communities to recognize warning signs. Through education, support, and advocacy, the month aims to reduce stigma and provide hope to those at risk of suicide. In September, Business Cares about Suicide Prevention.

Colorado has one of the highest suicide rates in the United States, consistently ranking in the top 10 for suicide deaths. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), in 2021, the state reported over 1,370 suicide deaths, a rate of about 23.5 per 100,000 people, significantly higher than the national average of 14.5 per 100,000. Suicide is the seventh leading cause of death in Colorado and is particularly prevalent among certain demographics, including men aged 45 to 64 and youth aged 10 to 24.

Rural communities in Colorado are especially vulnerable, with factors such as geographic isolation, limited access to mental health care, and economic stress contributing to higher rates of suicide. A 2020 study published in the *American Journal of Preventive Medicine* found that rural Coloradans have a 34% higher risk of suicide compared to their urban counterparts.

Mental health disorders, substance abuse, and access to firearms are identified as key contributors to the state’s suicide rates. The CDPHE’s Office of Suicide Prevention emphasizes the importance of increasing access to mental health services, community-based prevention programs, and promoting firearm safety to mitigate risk factors. Recent initiatives, like the Colorado Crisis Services, offer 24/7 mental health support, and have been crucial in providing intervention and resources for those at risk.